A PRESENTATION has been made to former Sinn Féin councillor, Marie Therese Gallagher in honour of her contribution to local politics.

The Dungloe native was first elected to represent the Glenties Municipal District in 2007.

At that time, she was the youngest member of Donegal County Council.

During her time as a councillor, she served as Deputy Mayor for the county and as Cathaoirleach of the Glenties MD.

Ahead of last year’s local election Marie Therese announced that she would not be seeking re-election to the council. Party member Brian Carr was co-opted onto the council in her place and he successfully secured the seat in June 2024.

The crowd gathered at the event held in Mullaghduff Community Hall.

The presentation to Marie Therese was made at a special event held in Mullaghduff Community Hall on Monday night, organised by Cumann Neil Plunkett Boyle.

Pearse Doherty TD outlined how during her three terms as a Sinn Féin councillor, Marie Therese was an important part of the party’s growing strength in the county.

When Marie Therese succeeded Deputy Doherty on Donegal County Council, Sinn Féin had four seats on the council and no TDs.

They now have ten seats on the council and two TDs in Dáil Éireann.

He added, how hard-working Marie Therese was, and that he himself was a councillor, senator and currently a TD and that the work of a county councillor is by far more demanding.

Former councillor Marie Therese Gallagher, partner Ownie and their young children pictured with Pearse Doherty TD.

Cumann Chairperson Desy Collins commended Marie Therese for work as a Councillor over 16 years.

He thanked her for speaking at or chairing various local commemorations, including for Caoimhín Mac Brádaigh and the centenary anniversary of Neil Plunkett O’Boyle, the last Republican killed in the Irish Civil War.

He also thanked her for the support she offered in the recent local election campaign by Kellie Rodgers.

Pearse Doherty then presented Marie Therese Gallagher with an engraved bronze statue of Countess Markievicz.